She there communes with God.'
"It is not too much to say that we enjoyed a measure of such experience. The day—the place—the topics of remarks—the songs of Zion—all encircled by a kind Providence, and made effective by the presence of God, will ever be worthy of a grateful remembrance.
"In the afternoon, by request, Rev. Mr. Munsell addressed us from the 11th verse of the 145th Psalm, 'They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power.' Our position added deep interest to the theme of discourse, and naturally furnished much ground for illustration. Indeed, the entire services of the day were attended with peculiar influences, being had under circumstances so widely different from the ordinary life of the company.
"That Sabbath was our delight, even in the face of a possible deficiency in food. But the course adopted imparted bodily rest and a peaceful mind.
"We had traveled with burdens on our backs twenty-five miles—crossed several streams—climbed rough hills—walked on rocky places—tumbled over huge trunks of fallen trees—crowded through plenty of jungle—waded the Avalanche Brook—and all this in forbidding weather; but, aside from the glorious view on the summit of Ktaadn, our toil found its recompense in the novelty and influence of a Sabbath observance on such an elevation, and amid the wild scenes and solitudes of a mountain forest.
"Scarcity of food, and the engagements of some of the party, made it necessary on Monday morning to start for home. We left the camp about half past nine, following down the brook to the point from whence we ascended, and then direct to the lake.
"'At this time,' says our guide, 'we fell into much confusion on account of two of the company who were missing, the gunner and Mr. Meservey, for whom we made search, but in vain. Few can imagine our feelings save those who have heard the cry of lost coming up from the deep gloom of the wilderness in the native tone of some wanderer calling for help. After consultation, it was resolved that we must leave the ground for home, hoping for the best. We left at one, and came to the lake at four P.M., and here, to our great joy, we saw a smoke on the opposite side, near the outlet, and at five rejoined our missing companions. They had caught trout enough for us all, weighing from one to three pounds. With these, and cranberry-sauce in plenty, also bread, pork, and tea, we made merry around a cheerful fire. That night, however, a storm of rain coming up, found us poorly prepared.'
"In this connection an incident may be related. Just before our arrival, while the gunner was fishing, suddenly two moose bounded furiously into the lake, and appeared to be swimming toward him. Though all along desirous of an interview, their visit was rather too startling. He scampered with all haste to the shore, seized his gun and fired, but the balls would not go through the 'law,' which at that season afforded protection, and so the moose escaped.
Northeast view of Mount Ktaadn, from the west branch of the Penobscot.